Sharing Christ Across Cultures and Faiths
Click for Fresh News of the Xaverian Missionaries Worldwide Network – November 30, 2024
The Feast of St. Francis Xavier on December 3rd
On December 3rd, the Xaverian Missionaries worldwide celebrate our patron and inspiration to the church’s mission that we are called to engage with our whole hearts. So much so that we can renew our vows together on this special day. EWTN produced a fine documentary on the life and inspiration of St. Francis Xavier. Let’s pray through his intercession that the love of Christ may permeate all cultures worldwide in a time of great division and uncertainty.
Christian and Muslim Prayer Movement Gathers in the Boston Area
The root of the word Badaliya, in Arabic, means to replace or exchange one thing for another. The French scholar and spiritual seeker Louis Massignon (1883–1962) interpreted the word as a willingness to put oneself in the place of another, to give one’s own life for the sake of someone else. This offering of himself for the well-being of his Muslim brothers and sisters inspired Massignon’s entire life. In 1947, the renowned orientalist, who had regained his Christian faith and identity while on a research expedition in Baghdad, in present-day Iraq, established an international prayer association named the Badaliya and remained the organizer until he died in 1962.
Dorothy Buck, the well-known authority on the life and legacy of Louis Massignon and the Badaliya Movement, continues to gather an interfaith community into prayer in collaboration with the Peace Islands Institute of Boston. Here is her most recent reflection.
Final Report of the Synod on Synodality Now Available in English
Download the Final Report Here
Click Here to Volunteer to Help with the Festival of Lights
LISTENING TO THOSE WHO LEFT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
In America the landscape of the Catholic Church is changing dramatically, as is all religious communities and institutions. The new mission of the Xaverian Missionaries seeks to engage with our Catholic tradition to all outside of the church, Christianity, and even religion itself. The departure of those formed in the Catholic faith is felt in every parish. Disaffiliated families make up the majority of Catholic communities throughout the country.
We listen to those who left the church and sacramental practice lovingly and empathetically.
We root ourselves in these departure narratives, learning about their world and how they walk in it.
We gain deeper insight into the needs, longings, and desires of young people and others, and in dialogue with our tradition, we can change our pastoral maps and parish cultures, beginning in Catholic families.
Catholic Interfaith Solidarity
Check out the latest resources and opportunities for Catholics and others to share our lives, faith, and friendship with people of other faiths and traditions. Click here. Other resources for interfaith dialogue may be found here.
